The Mets have been a better team with Francisco Alvarez in the lineup.
Alvarez has been building up to be in the lineup more often.
Wednesday marked the first time since Alvarez returned from the injured list that he started a third straight game.
All three were night games, which helped, as did the fact the Mets had an off day on Thursday.
“And he’s making it hard, too [to take him out],” manager Carlos Mendoza said before the Mets traveled to Chicago for a series with the Cubs that starts Friday.
The 22-year-old catcher caught all 27 innings against the Rangers and went 7-for-13 with a double and four RBIs, continuing to impress offensively and defensively.
Luis Torrens has done well behind him, but Alvarez is arguably the most important player on the team — which makes his growing presence in the lineup all the more significant.
Since returning from thumb surgery on June 11, Alvarez had been absent from the starting lineup every third game.
That changed Wednesday because of the schedule and because Mendoza was comfortable with Alvarez’s left thumb.
He continues to wear a splint on it while he catches.
“I keep checking with him after every game, before he comes to the ballpark,” Mendoza said. “He’s been fine.”
The upcoming series at Wrigley Field is an oddly timed one, with matinees on Friday and Saturday before a late start for “Sunday Night Baseball.”
Such an arrangement — along with an off day Monday — might ensure Alvarez catches a second entire series.
“He cares, and that’s what we’re seeing,” Mendoza said of Alvarez, whose return has helped the Mets play better baseball. “They’re feeding off of each other, and Alvy’s right there in the thick of it.”
